Cold Brew Brown Sugar White Russian

Sharing is caring!

Cold Brew Brown Sugar White Russian (Dairy-Free Delight!)

This Cold Brew Brown Sugar White Russian is smooth, coffee-forward, and irresistibly creamy—and the best part? It’s totally dairy-free! Made with rich cold brew, cozy brown sugar syrup, vodka, and Oatly half-and-half, it’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without being fussy. Whether you’re mixing it up for brunch, an evening wind-down, or just because you’re craving a coffee cocktail with a twist, this one’s an instant favorite.

Craving that perfect creamy cocktail but want to keep it plant-based?

I’ve got you! If you’ve already tried my classic Brown Sugar White Russian, you’ll love this chill, caffeine-kissed version. We’re bringing cold brew back into the spotlight (because coffee is life, right?) and giving it a smooth, oat-creamy finish. And if you’re new to making brown sugar syrup, don’t worry—I’ve got a simple recipe that comes together in a flash.

Ingredients you need

• Vodka – I love using vanilla vodka here, but regular works just as well.
• Brown sugar simple syrup – Brings out warm molasses notes. Homemade is magic, but store-bought is just fine.
• Cold brew – Smooth and mellow with just the right coffee kick.
• Oatly half-and-half – Or your favorite plant-based creamer for a dairy-free dream.
• Ice – For that perfectly chilled, never watered-down sip.

How To Make Dairy-Free Cold Brew Brown Sugar White Russian From Scratch

Step 1: In a small pitcher or measuring cup, stir together the cold brew, vodka, and brown sugar syrup until fully combined.

Mixing the syrup with the cold brew and vodka first helps the syrup dissolve more evenly—no sinking to the bottom or uneven sweetness. It makes the whole drink smoother and perfectly balanced from the first sip to the last.

Step 2: Fill two serving glasses with ice.

Step 3: Divide the mix between the two glasses.

Step 4: Slowly float your Oatly half-and-half over the back of a spoon for that beautiful layered look.

Step 5: Sip it as-is or give it a swirl. Either way, it’s smooth, sweet, and ridiculously satisfying.

Products

• Measuring tools / Jigger
• Small glass & spoon for mixing cold brew, Vodka, and brown sugar syrup
• Serving glass(es)

Delicious White Russian Variations

Vanilla Vodka White Russian

For a lovely flavor upgrade, switch out regular vodka for vanilla vodka. The soft sweetness and gentle vanilla aroma blend beautifully with the coffee liqueur and creamy finish, adding a subtle dessert-like feel to the drink.

It’s a simple change, but one that really deepens the overall flavor. Just make the cocktail as usual, but use vanilla vodka instead. It’s especially good in both the standard White Russian and the coffee-free Black Russian with Kahlua—it gives both a smooth, enhanced finish.

Light & Frothy: The Shaken White Russian

Shake things up—literally—with a Shaken White Russian. This variation uses regular milk and a cocktail shaker to create a lightly frothy texture, almost like a mini milkshake with a boozy edge.

To make it, just combine vodka, Kahlua, and milk in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously, then strain over ice. The result is airy, cold, and just a bit more refreshing than the classic stirred version.

Want to keep the coffee flavor going? This works wonderfully with the cold brew version too!

Spiced Rum Cold Brew White Russian

If you’re not using Kahlua, try replacing the vodka with spiced rum for a flavor profile that nods back to the cocktail’s roots. The warm spice and caramel notes in the rum echo the coffee liqueur’s richness and bring a bold depth to the drink.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Fill your glass with ice.
• Pour in your cold brew.
• Stir together spiced rum and brown sugar syrup in a small container.
• Add that mixture to your glass.
• Finish with half-and-half or milk on top.
• Give it a swirl and enjoy!

This version gives you the essence of a Kahlua-based drink—without actually using any—and adds a fun, flavorful twist with the rum.

Final Sip

This dairy-free White Russian is everything I love about coffee cocktails: bold, sweet, and ridiculously smooth. It’s perfect for entertaining—or just treating yourself to a quiet coffee moment that just happens to come with vodka. 😉

If you try it, tag me! I’d love to see your creation and raise a virtual glass with you. 💛

More Recipes and Tips You Might Enjoy:

• Brown Sugar White Russian
• Lavender Cold Brew Tonic
• Cold Brew Negroni
• Cold Brew Ratio Guide
• Cold Brew Black Russian
• Cold Brew White Russian
• Cold Brew Gin Tonic
• Cold Brew Tonic
• Ginger Cold Brew
• Chocolate Iced Coffee with Cold Brew
• Strawberry Iced Coffee with Cold Brew
• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Iced Irish Coffee
• Mocha Martini
• How to Sweeten Cold Brew Coffee
• Eggnog and Kahlúa Cocktail for Two
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
• Lavender Latte
• Iced Lavender Latte
• Honey Lavender Oat Milk Latte

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @coffeewithnora and hashtag #coffeewithnora_recipes, so I don’t miss it.